Could You Be the Next Creative Sensation?

A career in a creative field isn't exactly romantic. Art supplies cost money, and, most likely, your first novel won't pay the bills. Though fighting your way to cultural recognition may be expensive, there are ways to fund your ambitious artistic career! Many museums, foundations, and, yes, even corporations offer awards for outstanding budding talent. Here are eight of the best.

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The National YoungArts Foundation Award

Why: YoungArts Winners get the opportunity of a lifetime: to participate in intensive workshops with the most renowned artists in their specific field. Previous mentors and teachers have included dancer and choreographer Mikhail Baryshnikov, architect Frank Gehry, writer Salman Rushdie, and artists Jeff Koons and Carrie Mae Weems.

Who Can Apply: Emerging artists in the visual, literary, design and performing arts between the ages of 15 and 18 or in high school, grades 10–12.

What You Can Win: Beyond extensive professional mentorship, finalists perform and exhibit their work in an additional competition to receive awards of up to $10,000.

Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant

Why: Have the honor of adding the name of two art world legends to your résumé. Lee Krasner, widow of Jackson Pollock and renowned painter in her own right, established this award to back talented artists with considerable financial need.

Who Can Apply: Artists who are currently exhibiting work in gallery or museum shows.

What You Can Win: $5,000–$20,000, depending on the needs of the artist.